Cosmetic dentistry is a diverse field, with many treatment plans available to address individual dental cases. In today’s blog, we define the various types of dental restorations, and when Dr. Aller may recommend each one.
The Dental Restoration Dictionary
FILLING
It is the most basic dental restoration, over 50 % of adults go to the dentist for this basic procedure while over 80% of adults have decayed tooth. It I a simple process, the area around the tooth is first numbed with anesthetic then the decayed part of the tooth is drilled out and replaced with composite and amalgam filing material.
THE INLAY
Inlay is used when the cavity is too large for simple filling. Inlay is created as a single solid piece of porcelain or composite resin to fit the cavity, it is then cemented to the tooth. It is modeled to fit the damaged chewing surface between the cusps perfectly.
THE ONLAY
Onlay is more than inlay and less than crowns. It covers the cusps of the tooth and fabricated as single piece like inlay, it covers more area than the inlay because of damaged cusps as well as biting surface but not the complete tooth like the crown, it will fit the open area perfectly and protect the decayed tooth.
THE CROWN
It is more like a tooth replacement than repair and is used for serious dental issues like broken tooth or decayed tooth. A cap is placed on the tooth after it is treated for decay.
THE DENTAL IMPLANT
A dental implant is a durable, long-term restoration which is replacement for lost tooth. It is a surgical procedure where the root of the tooth is replaced with metal and left to fuse with the bone, the new metal root is screw-like as well as a solid support when the natural teeth root does not support tooth replacement or building denture. Our office staffs the best dental implant specialist in South Florida, Dr. Hervas is double board-certified and ready to assist with your prosthodontic needs.
THE DENTAL FILLING Vs THE INLAY
They are both often used interchangeably but the main difference is that inlays are for bigger cavities. While they both remove existing decay, how the empty space is filled differs. With a filling, the composite material is used for filling the space and it is a quick process which happens in a single visit. As for inlays, it I more durable and the space is filled with a single piece fabricated in the lab, this fabrication may take some time because an exact likeness of the open space has to be produced. The inlay is precisely made in the shape and size of the cavity space and will last from 5 to 30 years this is why it is also more expensive than regular filling.
ONLAYS Vs DENTAL CROWNS
They are the major single-tooth restoration options used for filling a larger area of decay where filling inlay would not work. The onlay covers the cusp of the tooth while inlay only fills the area between the cusps. On the other hand, crown will cover the entire biting area surface of tooth and the tooth structure above the gum line. To get your crown fixed, the tooth will have to be reshaped but for onlays, the original structure of the tooth can be preserved. The cost of both is similar but onlay might be a little cheaper in price and they both last a very long time.
At Miracle Smile Dentistry, we are here to determine which is the correct option for you. Schedule a consultation at either of our offices (we are conveniently located in both Coral Gables and Plantation, Florida) to begin working on a treatment plan for your individual cosmetic dentistry needs.